Two of Brazil's finest mixed martial artists are set to showcase their skills this Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba will headline the main event at the UFC Apex, each eager to take a step closer to a shot at the UFC women's strawweight title.
Amanda Lemos comes into the bout with an impressive record of 14-3-1. Known as the strawweight division's top threat in terms of knockdowns, Lemos has shown she's a fighter who learns from her experiences. Her recent history in the octagon reflects this growth. After suffering a decision loss to Zhang Weili, Lemos rebounded with a decision victory over Mackenzie Dern. "It was an amazing opportunity and a dream come true. I learned a lot. We watched all my mistakes. I saw all the situations and errors that were made. I trained a lot to make sure I didn't commit them again," she shared, reflecting on her journey.
On the other side of the octagon, Virna Jandiroba brings a formidable record of 20-3 and a three-fight winning streak. A former Invicta champion, Jandiroba debuted in the UFC in 2019 on short notice against Carla Esparza, showcasing her willingness to take on challenges at a moment's notice. Known for her submission skills, Jandiroba has finished 11 of 14 regional fights via submission, although her success in the UFC has been less consistent. Despite this, her recent form suggests a renewed confidence and focus. "I know I have the jiu-jitsu required to tap out many girls in the Top 10. The mental part has always been challenging, and that changed a few fights ago. I think I'm going towards that line of being able to submit more people," she stated, emphasizing the mental transformation that has fueled her recent successes.
Path to the Title
Both fighters recognize the high stakes of this encounter. With Champion Zhang Weili expected to face Tatiana Suarez next, the outcome on Saturday could position either Lemos or Jandiroba as a serious contender for the title. Lemos leads the division in knockdowns and has honed her skills following her loss to Zhang Weili, while Jandiroba boasts a striking defense rate of 57% and a striking accuracy of around 38% in the UFC.
Lemos' recent performances have shown her resilience and adaptability. "I'm a fighter that wants to finish time. I want to get home as quickly as possible, but a win is a win. The thing that I evaluate the most is how much I've evolved as a fighter. How much more improvement was there? If I'm a better fighter [than the last time], I'm happy with my performance," she remarked, highlighting her commitment to continuous improvement.
Similarly, Jandiroba's renewed focus on mental fortitude has been pivotal in her recent victories. "Although the level of the girls now is extremely high -- they're very strong and tough -- I believe the biggest key to finishing more people in the division is mental. I needed more self-confidence, belief in my growth and my jiu-jitsu," Jandiroba explained.
Contrasting Styles
The clash between Lemos and Jandiroba promises to be a compelling battle of contrasting styles. Lemos, with her striking prowess and ability to deliver knockdowns, will look to leverage her stand-up game. In contrast, Jandiroba's jiu-jitsu expertise and improved mental game will be key components of her strategy.
As the anticipation builds for this high-stakes encounter, one thing is clear: both Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba are fighters on a mission. They have honed their skills, learned from their past bouts, and are ready to leave it all in the octagon this Saturday. For both athletes, a victory could pave the way to a title shot and possibly the pinnacle of their careers. As fans prepare to witness this thrilling showdown, the UFC Apex in Las Vegas stands as the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable fight.